So this was the official from the Palace Guard Command, quite different from what she had imagined. She had expected these men to be magnificent warriors capable of moving mountains and dominating the world, but she hadn’t anticipated such refinement. Yet this refinement wasn’t feminine delicacy – there wasn’t a hint of softness in it. His gaze was sharp, with the seasoned authority of one who inspects troops on the parade grounds. He didn’t speak, merely waiting for her to introduce herself and state her purpose.

Qingyuan felt afraid, though she wasn’t sure why. Her heart was suspended, inexplicably sensing this person would be difficult to deal with. In her previous dealings with others, even when there was scheming involved, it had been battles fought in the women’s quarters, without such confrontation. Now it felt like holding fire in the wind, with the risk of getting burned. Upon reflection, she found her fear amusing – it was just her limited experience making her nervous around outsiders. The Commandant didn’t look particularly vicious, so where did this fear come from? Perhaps simply because he was a man.

“I am the daughter of Xie Shu, the Military Commissioner of Jiannan Circuit,” Qingyuan composed herself, clasping her hands and giving a curtsy. “I apologize for my unannounced visit, Your Excellency Commandant.”

His long eyebrows raised slightly. “So you’re the daughter of Military Commissioner Xie. What brings you to my humble residence today?”

Officials generally spoke this way – no warm casual conversation. Even colleagues might need to maintain social niceties, but there was no need to feign familiarity with an unfamiliar young lady.

This was better. Qingyuan relaxed and said with a smile, “I just arrived from Hengtang two days ago. The Third Young Master Li Zhunzhi of the Marquis of Danyang’s household asked me to pay my respects to Your Excellency and inquire after your health. I apologize for any impropriety in my sudden visit today and ask for your understanding.”

“Li Zhunzhi?” he pondered, shifting his gaze to give her a slight glance.

Being people well-versed in social dealings, he could tell immediately this wasn’t the true reason – it was merely an opening line to establish her connection to the Marquis of Danyang’s son. Regarding Xie Shu’s situation, it could be said to be unfavorable lately. Though he still held the title of Military Commissioner, he had effectively been demoted to Prefecture Governor of Youzhou. With such a dramatic fall in rank, no wonder the Xie family was restless, even sending their daughter to mediate. However, it was rare to see a young lady from the inner chambers bold enough to seek an audience at the Commander’s residence. Moreover, her mention of the Marquis’s legitimate son meant she must have received Li Congxin’s approval. Chen She and Li Congxin were close friends, so naturally the Xie family wouldn’t miss this shortcut through Mount Zhongnan.

Her purpose was quite obvious. If he didn’t want to deal with it, he could easily brush her off with a few words. But it was his day off with nothing to do, so this could be an interesting way to pass the time.

So he turned and sat in the circular chair at the head of the room. Outside, serving maids brought in tea trays and refreshments, carefully pouring two cups and presenting them with utmost caution. He twisted his body to pick up the teacup, his porcelain-like profile and fingers carrying an inexplicable otherworldly quality in the last golden rays of the evening sun.

All things under heaven within one’s grasp – this was an air that even Xie Shu, who had fought on battlefields for years, didn’t possess. No wonder they said provincial officials struggled to connect with capital officials, especially those who frequently attended the imperial palace. It was as if he commanded half the awesome imperial authority himself; just looking at him revealed what the emperor and ministers in the capital must be like.

He raised his chin slightly. “Please sit, young lady.” He lowered his head to blow on the floating tea leaves. “Since you’ve come to find me, I won’t beat around the bush with you. Zhunzhi is usually quite aloof – by normal reasoning, he wouldn’t send a young lady alone to pay respects to me. Pardon my boldness, but what is your relationship with him? Once that’s clear, we can have a proper conversation.”

Though this direct approach saved much trouble, it inevitably created awkwardness. Qingyuan considered carefully before saying, “Zhunzhi is my brother’s good friend, and I also have some association with him. When I was leaving that day, he specifically instructed me that he and Your Excellency were old acquaintances and that if I encountered any difficulties, I could come to seek Your Excellency’s help. To be honest with Your Excellency, I daringly came to your residence today because I do indeed have a favor to ask. I know it’s very presumptuous, but my father’s official career has been hindered, not because of any misconduct in his service, but because he was momentarily stubborn and opposed His Majesty’s political views. Now he can’t even submit a memorial of apology to the throne.”

As she spoke, those clear eyes looked at him imploringly. A pure girl from the inner chambers, like an orchid, showed embarrassment and helplessness on her face. She cautiously bowed to him again, “If Your Excellency won’t consider it for Zhunzhi’s sake, please consider my father’s years of service to the court. Could Your Excellency please convey to the Commander that my father is willing to request battle duty at Shibaocheng, and ask the Commander to explain this to His Majesty? Or if Your Excellency could speak well of him to the Commander, and when the Commander has time to grant an audience – that would be saving my entire family’s lives.”

She spoke at length, her words full of earnest concern. The seated man just frowned, his lips carrying a hint of mockery.

“What’s your position among your siblings?” he asked.

Qingyuan was slightly startled, “My father has four daughters, I’m the youngest, fourth in line.”

The smile at his lips widened further, looking neither kind nor unkind. If not for his upward tone showing arrogant indifference, that voice would have had an almost languid, enchanting quality. He said slowly, “Since you’re neither a son nor the eldest daughter, how did this task fall to you? Isn’t Zhunzhi good friends with your brother? Why didn’t they come, but you did?” He stood up and paced slowly with his hands behind his back, his jade belt accentuating his tall, straight figure. He turned his head to examine her scrutinizingly.

When seeking help, one must endure some cold words. Qingyuan smiled slightly, pressing her lips together, “Perhaps because I have somewhat good personal relations with Zhunzhi, and also the best temperament.”

This response surprised him because while it seemed fine at first glance, there were hidden meanings upon careful consideration. What did she mean by “best temperament”? It implied he would make things difficult! He had seen all sorts of people, all kinds of faces, and since the Shen family’s restoration, none of those who used to strut and show off dared to even breathe loudly in front of him. Now came this girl, small in stature but not in courage, actually daring to use words to choke him!

He narrowed his eyes as the evening sun’s light faded and the sky gradually darkened, her face becoming less clear, leaving only a vague silhouette.

Wanting to see her but unable to see clearly, there might have been a stubborn expression on that face, hidden in the darkness.

Finally, servants filed in with lamps to arrange them. Qingyuan saw him frowning at her, and her heart suddenly skipped. She had been too bold earlier, and only now felt some fear. This Commandant was already so difficult to deal with, she really couldn’t imagine how much more difficult the Commander would be to face. Originally thinking of relying on Li Congxin’s influence, expecting him to give some face, but perhaps because her father’s problem was truly too thorny, he seemed rather impatient. Maybe she had come in error, thinking official matters too simple. If that was the case, there was nothing to be done – she had done her best, and the rest would be left to fate!

“Fourth Young Lady, how old are you?” he suddenly asked. “Are you married?”

Qingyuan made a sound of surprise and lifted her eyes woodenly, “This… has nothing to do with my purpose today.”

His brows and eyes carried refined mischief, but his gaze was sincere. “I’m merely asking casually, young lady need not be so guarded.”

How could she not be guarded? Qingyuan’s heart tightened, not knowing what he was calculating. By proper etiquette, respectable men shouldn’t ask such questions, especially married ones – they should be particularly careful with their words. Unfortunately, those from military backgrounds traditionally didn’t place much emphasis on propriety and etiquette; they called such rashness “chivalrous spirit.”

Qingyuan secretly regretted taking on this task, but there was no help for it. Coming alone already invited misunderstanding – having first lost face, how could she expect respect? But it would be better to deflect this conversation, so she said, “Would Your Excellency be able to introduce my father to an audience? If successful, we would certainly show our deep gratitude to Your Excellency.”

He acted as if he hadn’t heard, continuing to ask directly, “Has Fourth Young Lady been betrothed to Li Zhunzhi?”

Qingyuan was stunned by his question. The Palace Guard Command officials truly dealt with too many officials – they didn’t bother with indirect approaches, inquiring about others’ private matters as if interrogating criminals. She took a light breath and forced a smile while shaking her head, “The Third Young Master and I merely have some acquaintance, not yet to the point of discussing marriage. Thank you for Your Excellency’s concern.”

Just as she finished speaking, rapid footsteps approached along the corridor. The figure somewhat resembled Shen Che, walking while tossing his riding crop to the following servant, calling out, “Who’s looking for me?”

Qingyuan was confused for a moment – from these words, the newcomer must be Shen Che, so who was this person?

Those doe-like eyes looked at the man in the room in astonishment, then glanced toward the corridor. The man in the room showed a disappointed expression and turned back, saying, “Your guest has been waiting for you quite a while. Where did you go?”

Shen Che’s temperament was very different from this person – he was more casual and unrestrained, more cheerful. He laughed, “Jiang Liu asked me to recommend someone, I couldn’t avoid that face-to-face meeting.” As he spoke, he stepped inside and caught sight of the young lady in the lamplight, making a surprised sound, “Young lady was looking for me?”

Qingyuan no longer knew how to continue this conversation. Everything she had said earlier had been a fortunate mistake. No wonder when she mentioned Li Congxin, he had seemed uninterested – it was because Li Congxin had no deep friendship with him at all.

What to do? It was embarrassing yet fortunate – perhaps this was for the best. But this embarrassment couldn’t show on her face. Qingyuan still curtsied and bowed to Shen Che as before, “The Third Young Master of the Marquis of Danyang’s household asked me to send regards to Your Excellency, saying he misses you greatly after not seeing you for so long. The Third Young Master will enter Youzhou in two months and wishes to properly catch up with Your Excellency then.”

Shen Che laughed heartily, “That fellow is strange – I’ve never seen him miss me this much before!” This was the proper warmth between close friends.

Qingyuan turned to look at Shen Run, “Commander, I was confused.”

Shen Run’s expression was distant, “Since the message has been delivered, Fourth Young Lady may take her leave.”

Naturally, she wanted to leave immediately, but having said so much without getting a response, she felt unwilling in her heart. So she gathered her courage and said, “The Commander already knows my purpose, so… so…”

Shen Run intended to end this meeting, saying coldly, “It’s getting late, The Fourth Young Lady should return home.”

“Commander,” Qingyuan said urgently, “my father has achieved glorious military merits for the court. Now that he’s temporarily in difficulty, please help him, Commander.”

Only then did Shen Che understand what purpose this heaven-sent young lady carried. He looked her over, “Did Zhunzhi tell you to find me?”

Qingyuan said yes, “Your Excellencies, my grandmother has also questioned my father at home, fearing he might have inadvertently offended you both, but my father can’t think of any such instance. My father has been an official for nearly thirty years, with countless subordinates and disciples. If any of them have made mistakes, it surely wasn’t my father’s intention. Please understand this, Commander and Commandant.”

Shen Che looked at Shen Run, equally surprised by this young lady’s courage.

Looking at her closely, she was only fifteen or sixteen, that beautiful and striking face pretending to be composed, though there was still a touch of childishness in her features. Many men didn’t dare to be presumptuous before Commander Shen, yet she dared to argue her case – truly a newborn calf unafraid of tigers. They had heard something about this Fourth Young Lady’s background. Xie Shu had been a hero all his life, yet who would have thought that when he hit a rough patch, he would need his youngest daughter, recognized halfway through life, to step forward. It showed how truly helpless the Xie family had become.

“Matters of officialdom aren’t something a mere woman can understand,” Shen Run showed unusual patience today, still willing to say a few more words to her. “Go home early. A young lady staying at another’s residence until sunset will invite gossip. Let your father resolve his matters; young lady should just focus on living properly in the inner chambers.”

Actually, from the moment she stepped into this residence, the feeling of failure had coiled around her like a snake, impossible to shake off. Success also depends on timing – if she had met Shen Che first, perhaps the result would have been different.

“The rise and fall in official life is common, but my father came from a military background, achieving today’s position through years of warfare – his current situation is truly too unbearable. The Commander is right, I am a young lady, and cultivating virtue in the inner chambers is most important, but as children, how can we watch helplessly as our father faces difficulties?” She spoke neither humbly nor proudly, with no need for additional words, then bowed again to the Shen brothers and retreated from the flower hall.

Whether these words would resonate with Shen Run would probably depend on luck. Qingyuan walked back along the corridor, with a maid leading the way. Lanterns swayed under the walkway, one every ten steps, casting soft light from their bottom openings. Crossing words with such formidable characters truly required enormous mental energy – she had never felt so exhausted from speaking before. When she finally stepped out of the main gate, her feet felt unsteady, almost as if walking on clouds.

Baoxian had been waiting at the steps and hurried forward to support her when she emerged. “Young Lady, how did it go?”

She shook her head, walking toward the carriage waiting in the alley. The Old Madam had been waiting for a long while, and when she finally saw her return, lifted the curtain to welcome her into the carriage, instructing the driver outside, “Let’s go home.”

“How did it go? Did you see the Commandant?” the Old Madam asked.

Qingyuan nodded, “I not only saw the Commandant but also the Commander.”

The Old Madam was quite surprised, “This Shen residence has constant comings and goings of officials, I didn’t expect the Commander had return to Youzhou. Did you explain everything clearly? What was the Commander’s response?”

After a moment of silence, Qingyuan said, “Granddaughter said everything that could be said, and explained to the Commander about father’s hardships and regrets. As for whether he will help or not, granddaughter truly cannot be certain.”

The Old Madam pondered dejectedly, and after a long while nodded with a sigh, “We’ve done everything we could. If this approach doesn’t work, we’ll think of other ways.” While speaking, she examined her granddaughter in the light from outside the carriage, knowing how difficult it had been for her, and changed her tone, “You’ve worked hard today. I see your devotion to this family, and so does your father. We are connected by blood after all – what’s close and what’s distant, honestly speaking, you are all my granddaughters, from the same root. How could I favor one over another? It’s just that your Second Sister is more pampered, being born to the First Madam, that can’t be helped. When she gets married in the future, there will be fewer matters in the household, and then there will be advantages for you.”

These were empty words meant to comfort her. Qingyuan smiled but didn’t respond.

Qinghe was only two years older than her, and she would have to wait until Qinghe was settled before she could breathe easier in the Xie family. But would that breath truly come easily? Not to mention whether Madam Hu would let her live peacefully, just considering Qingru’s temperament, there would be countless troubles to clean up in the future. Married daughters rarely truly stop caring about their natal family’s affairs – though married off, their hearts and minds remain connected. How could they pass up any chance to make things difficult for her?

“Grandmother,” Qingyuan said softly, “in the past, young ladies never left their homes, and we’re already considered quite progressive now, but it’s still not proper to visit residences and discuss matters with men like this. I can only do this much for my father, and won’t manage external affairs anymore in the future. Please keep this in mind for your granddaughter.”

Madam Xie naturally had nothing to say – this matter had already been irregular, what good family would let a young lady rashly visit men! If she had only met Shen Che it might have been fine, but who knew she would also encounter Shen Run. Now the Old Madam also felt some regret – if the matter wasn’t successful and only led to people looking down on them, it would be more loss than gain.

“I think the same way,” the Old Madam said. The lantern light swayed, casting an uncertain expression on her face. “You are after all a young lady of the inner chambers, and propriety is of utmost importance. Let today’s visit be the end of it, and let your father think of ways from now on. But since you’ve met that Commander, what do you make of him? He’s newly appointed and not easy to befriend – your father hasn’t even met him yet.”

Qingyuan thought for a moment – before he asked about her age, everything had seemed normal, but afterward things had gone awry.

“I assess that this person is indeed as rumored – extremely deep and difficult to deal with. If the father is to interact with him, he must be extremely careful. Such a person may seem iron-faced, but once money becomes involved, he’s bound to make excessive demands.”

The Old Madam sighed while patting her knee: “As long as things get done, spending some money is reasonable. Then according to your opinion, should we continue to push in this direction?”

“Now that we’ve taken this step, we can’t bypass him halfway,” Qingyuan pondered and said, “Granddaughter doesn’t have much experience, but since grandmother asked, I’ll speak freely. We should still hold our banquet as planned and formally invite him with an invitation card. If he comes, there’s room for discussion; if he doesn’t come, we’ll seek another path – at least we won’t have slighted him.”